RSL marks a historic milestone

Stanthorpe RSL Sub Branch president Cyril Charlwood and Ballandean resident Pedro Curr at the recent Battle of Long Tan memorial. The sub branch will celebrate 100 years of the RSL on Saturday.Liana Turner

THE men who founded the Returned Service League of Australia to help returned servicemen of WWI probably didn't expect its services to be required for more than a century.

But the 1914-18 conflict was said to be the war to end all wars.

All the same, RSL sub-branches across the country have continued to assist veterans throughout the years.

Stanthorpe's veterans and a host of dignitaries will this weekend celebrate the Returned Service League's 100th anniversary.

Stanthorpe RSL sub-branch president Cyril Charlwood said he looked forward to the celebration.

Mr Charlwood said this was a significant occasion for the club, and the RSL as a whole.

He said RSL sub-branches from Wallangarra, Tenterfield and Texas would take part in the event.

The celebration will take place at Stanthorpe RSL club on Marsh St from noon this Saturday.

While the operations of the RSL may have evolved over the years, the core purpose has remained the same: to assist those who have served our armed forced, and those who have been left behind in the wake of tragedies.

"It was (initially) mainly about looking after returned men with wounds and widows with children,” Mr Charlwood said.

"I don't think those men that started it thought it would have gone for 100 years.

Guests will include Queensland RSl president Stewart Cameron, Western District president Max Foot and Southern Downs major Tracy Dobie.